Ronnie O’Sullivan's Custom Cue: A Game-Changer for 2026

As of 2026, Ronnie O’Sullivan continues to use a custom-made snooker cue designed by fellow professional Sunny Akani. This partnership began around the 2025 Shanghai Masters and has carried through into 2026. O’Sullivan has stuck with Akani’s craftsmanship after finding the consistency and feel he had been searching for. Unlike earlier in his career, where his cue choice remained stable for years, this newer setup reflects a more experimental phase. Here, performance and feel take priority over tradition.

The Shift Away from His Old Cue

For most of his legendary career, Ronnie O’Sullivan used cues made by John Parris, one of the most respected cue makers in the sport. That setup helped him secure multiple World Championships and dominate the professional scene. However, around 2025, O’Sullivan went through a well-documented “cue crisis.”

He struggled with:

• Inconsistent cue action

• Loss of feel and touch

• Confidence issues at the table

  
  

This eventually led to a breaking point — literally — when he snapped his long-time cue in frustration during competition. From there, he tested several alternatives before being introduced to cues made by Sunny Akani.

Why the Sunny Akani Cue Works for Him

The Ronnie O'Sullivan cue currently used in 2026 is not an off-the-shelf product. It is a fully custom-built cue, designed specifically around his preferences and playing style. While exact specs are closely guarded, cues built by Sunny Akani typically feature:

• High-quality ash shaft for traditional feel and feedback

• Tip size around 9.5–9.7mm for precise cue ball control

• Weight in the 17.5–18 oz range, offering a smooth, balanced stroke

• Modern ferrule options, sometimes including titanium for a slightly sharper response

  
  

What makes this cue stand out isn’t just the materials — it’s the fine-tuning. Every detail is adjusted to suit O’Sullivan’s unique rhythm and cue action.

The Importance of Cue Feel at Elite Level

At the highest level of snooker, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to millimetres. For Ronnie O’Sullivan, cue feel is everything. Even subtle differences in:

• Balance point

• Shaft stiffness

• Tip hardness

• Feedback through the cue

  
  

…can dramatically affect performance. That’s why switching cues is such a big deal — especially for a player who had used a similar setup for decades. Finding the right cue isn’t just about specs; it’s about trust.

Performance Since the Switch

Since adopting a Sunny Akani-designed cue, O’Sullivan has shown clear signs of renewed confidence and fluidity in his game. While his form can still fluctuate — as is natural at this stage of his career — the new cue has allowed him to:

• Regain natural cueing rhythm

• Play with more freedom

• Execute high-break building with confidence

  
  

It’s also worth noting that O’Sullivan has continued to request multiple versions of the cue, fine-tuning small details as he goes. This highlights how even the best players in the world are constantly searching for marginal gains.

Can You Buy the Ronnie O’Sullivan Cue?

This is one of the biggest questions for fans. The short answer: not exactly. The cue Ronnie O’Sullivan uses in 2026 is:

• Custom-built

• Made specifically for him

• Not mass-produced

  
  

However, you can get close. There are:

• Cues designed by Sunny Akani

• High-quality ash cues with similar specs

• Ronnie O’Sullivan-branded cues (though these are not identical to his current setup)

  
  

If you’re looking to replicate the feel of the Ronnie O’Sullivan cue, focus on specifications like tip size, weight, and balance rather than branding alone.

What You Can Learn from Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Cue Choice

There’s a valuable lesson in O’Sullivan’s switch — and it applies to players of all levels. Even the greatest player of all time had to:

• Re-evaluate his equipment

• Experiment with different setups

• Adapt to find what works best

  
  

The takeaway? The “perfect cue” is personal. What works for Ronnie O’Sullivan might not work for you — but understanding his preferences can help guide your own choices.

The Future of Snooker Cues

As we look ahead, the evolution of snooker cues will likely continue. Players will always seek that perfect balance of feel, control, and performance. The advancements in materials and technology will play a significant role in shaping the cues of tomorrow.

For those of us who love the game, it’s exciting to think about how these changes will influence play styles and strategies.

Conclusion

So, what cue does Ronnie O’Sullivan use in 2026? He continues to use a custom snooker cue designed by Sunny Akani, a partnership that began in 2025 and remains a key part of his game today. This change represents more than just new equipment — it reflects a mindset of constant improvement, even at the very top of the sport.

For players and fans, it’s a reminder that:

• Equipment matters

• Feel is crucial

• And confidence is everything

  
  

If you’re serious about improving your game, exploring cues with similar characteristics to the Ronnie O'Sullivan cue is a smart move — just remember, it’s not the cue alone that creates greatness. Whether you’re chasing your first break of 50 or dreaming of a 147, taking inspiration from Ronnie O’Sullivan’s setup could be the first step toward elevating your game.

For more insights and updates, check out Snooker 247.